{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Startup CPG Podcast","title":"Founder Feature: Amie Kesler of Carolyn's Krisps","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1847,"description":"In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Caitlin Bricker speaks with Amie Kesler, founder of Carolyn’s Krisps—a rapidly growing, better-for-you snack brand reinventing a cherished family recipe into a modern, dairy-free and gluten-free product line. What began as a nostalgic cheddar crisp made by Amie’s grandmother has evolved into a differentiated portfolio of sweet and savory snacks defined by unique texture, bold flavor profiles, and a strong emphasis on inclusivity and quality.Amie discusses the early days of the business—from hand-rolling dough and selling through a cubicle sign-up sheet to operating a self-manufactured brand in its fourth commercial facility. She shares how a disciplined, incremental approach to R&D and retail allowed Carolyn’s Krisps to scale without compromising its product integrity or financial fundamentals.The conversation explores what it means to build a brand with intention: leveraging independent retailers as strategic partners, investing in operational efficiency, navigating pack size and pricing decisions, and planning for regional expansion. Amie also reflects on the importance of maintaining a strong brand identity while introducing innovative formats, including seasonal chocolate bark and nostalgic flavor combinations.In addition, she provides valuable insights from opening Carolyn’s Krisps’ pop-up snack shop—a curated retail environment featuring other emerging brands. Making the shift from founder to buyer has reshaped her perspective on relationship-building, product presentation, pricing, and communication, offering lessons that are applicable for CPG operators at all stages.Listen in as they share about:The evolution of Carolyn’s Krisps from family recipe to commercial product lineDeveloping better-for-you snacks driven by nostalgia, taste, and textureScaling manufacturing responsibly while maintaining product qualityLeveraging independent retailers and community-driven growthPricing, pack architecture, and trade spend...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/pMuUaMpWaAi3tfCEgC2OkLBVzokuLjLsIzwDIbGFqi4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hMTFl/MTgxNTNlZTAwZjU1/ZmNmNWM1ZjkwMDg5/NTU4MS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}